← All roles

Mechanical Engineer - Satellite Solar Array (Starlink)

SpaceX· Satellite Bus Engineering
Apply on company site
Redmond, WA$100k - $135kfull-timePosted 2mo ago

About the role

Mechanical engineer to design, qualify, and deliver photovoltaic power systems for Starlink satellites, owning the solar array sub-assemblies across multiple vehicle architectures.

Responsibilities

  • Design and analysis of solar array components ranging from photovoltaic cells to integrated electro-mechanical solar array assemblies
  • Own and design various satellite mechanical systems and/or associated tooling specifically for the solar array sub-assembly
  • Prepare detailed content for technical design reviews. Demonstrate ownership of production outcomes (yield, uptime, cost) for the Starlink solar factory
  • Collaborate with GNC, Avionics, Operations, and Payloads to optimize vehicle outcomes
  • Provide analytical rationale for design capability through hand calcs and FEA where applicable
  • Create engineering drawings, schematics, and specifications for purchasing, manufacturing, and operation
  • Write, design and execute test procedures and verification plans in electrical and mechanical spaces with test specialists
  • Design and conduct process qualifications using DOE and SPC
  • Work with supply chain and production partners on DFM changes to meet factory rates and costs
  • Review on-orbit performance data and respond with manufacturing and design solutions
  • Collaborate with Materials Engineering to develop solutions to space-based solar problems

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
  • 1+ years of professional experience (internships/co-ops accepted) in mechanical/electromechanical design, analysis, testing, and/or manufacturing

Skills

Required:Engineering design and analysis3D CAD
Nice to have:Finite Element Analysis (FEA)Design of Experiments (DOE) and Statistical Process Control (SPC)GD&T

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
  • 401(k) retirement plan
  • Short and long-term disability insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid parental leave
  • 3 weeks of paid vacation and 10+ paid holidays per year
  • Company stock or long-term incentives, discretionary bonuses, and Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • Shuttles from select Seattle locations to SpaceX Redmond office (Mon–Fri)
Last updated Aug 26, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.

About SpaceX

defense-aero-and-safetysetter-30setter-30-2026-q1wing-list-2026wing-list-2026-giga-stage
Company profileWebsite

More open roles at SpaceX